Pride is Always Important

I feel bad that I failed to post anything for National Coming Out Day.  Life has been pretty hectic in many fronts and I will admit, blogging was one of the first few things that had to be put on hold.

But man I have to say this:

I am very pissed off and disappointed at how some have transformed the Annual Pride Event into a personal statement aimed at another organization.    While the rest of the world is talking about the importance of being heard, of making our presence welcome, and of showing unity, here in the Philippines the very group that once clamored on the importance of participating in the Annual Pride March has taken the most inane direction in this year's Pride Events.

I'll let you see the post here:
http://www.taskforcepride.com/

Now, had it been a statement saying "Marching is NOT the ONLY WAY to celebrate Pride" then I would applaud it for reminding the Pink Community of the many other ways one can show support and commemorate the sacrifices and challenges that were faced back in the Stonewall Riots.  But no, the group is instead claiming that marching is not necessary.

After years of saying it was.  All those times before, the push was, "How do we encourage people to march?"  "How do we remind people if they don't feel they are represented in the Pride March, then they should go to BE represented."  Suddenly now it is all you don't have to march?  Bullshit.

Why?  Because SOMEONE ELSE IS HANDLING THIS YEAR'S PRIDE MARCH EVENT.
And rather than be supportive of it, or perhaps still have a second march people can also participate in, the group has decided to make a public statement claiming marching is not necessary.

Quite a huge CHANGE from what was being proclaimed back in July.

It is the same stupid slandering that was being bandied about during the White Party nights.  Many groups opted to host their own White Parties.  Think about that for a second:  MANY GROUPS WANT TO HOST THEIR OWN WHITE PARTIES.  That is a HUGE step in the right direction.  People are all celebrating in their own ways.  People are all making events to celebrate what used to be a  single event!  So now, every LGBT person in Metro Manila has the option to choose where it is more convenient.  Has the freedom to go where their friends opt to go.  Has the joy of being able to celebrate the night by visiting all the events they want!   Can you imagine?  Having such freedom of choice?  There was a time when having a party that celebrated gay freedoms had to be underground.  This was a good step.

And yet, the slander began.  "Not the REAL White Party"  and so on was thrown about.  As if a specific organization in the Philippines was the root of it all.  As if a specific location in the Philippines was the real reason the party was born.  As if Stonewall did not matter.

Selfish.  Idiotic.  Divisive.

Task Force Pride has become a force of personal pride, rather than a beacon of unity and colorful hope.
I am now embarrassed to know the people behind this direction.  (And yes, I want my book back.  You've borrowed it long enough.)

Very embarrassed.

My partner and I will still march at the upcoming Pride March in Quezon City this year.  We will still show our support to the Pink community.  We will still remind people that many of the freedoms and levels of acceptance that are now enjoyed were thanks to the people back in the past who took the courage and effort to MARCH and to SPEAK UP.

https://www.facebook.com/pridecouncil

True Pride was never about "who gets the credit" for an event.
And that's but one of the many things a certain group has to learn about truly being a voice for a community.

When a Press Kit is NOT a Press Kit

So I received two emails with one labeled in this manner:

[Press Kit] You are cordially Invited!

At first I felt happy to know that even with the major places-to-go having closed in Malate, there was an attempt to keep the spirit of Pink Malate alive.  Sadly, as I continued to read the contents of the email, it clearly was more about selling a new event which was focused on making more money.

And worse, it was very BADLY written.  Bad enough that I doubt anyone of a professional level went through the copy to make sure it was readable, concise, accurate and properly-written.    I pondered on whether or not to post it here in my blog at first, but soon realized that if I hoped for them to have better written announcements in the future, the least I could do is show how it could have been better written.

I have, however, been told by many friends that the very contents of the email were inaccurate.  Many of them raised facts that the contents of the email had wrong.  And one was even ready to share actual evidence showing the errors of the email's declarations.  Since I personally cannot raise those facts myself, I decided to post my "copy writing" corrections (and I invite people to contribute to this post with their comments.)

I will state that I love celebrating Pride. Ever since I finally came out of the closet, I've made it a point to join the Pride March whenever I can.  I do join the parties when I can as well, but as of the last two years I've started to shy away from them since they seem more intent with getting my Pink Peso than truly celebrating Pride.  Sadly, this coming "12th White Party" seems to still be following that direction.

Manila celebrates 12th White Party
White Party is the name of a number of circuit parties held every year all over the world catering to LGBT communities.

Okay, the opening line could have been more inviting.  I mean, seriously, the way it was written sounds more like a Press Release for an event that has already happened.    The first sentence is just... wrong.  Would it have really hurt them to have opened with a more celebratory feel?  Instead it sounds like "we want to remind people that this event is an international thing.  so it should be worth your attention."  So instead of Pride, it seems to be about fame.

My version:
You are Invited to the 12th Annual White Party!
Be part of another fabulous celebration of Pride as Manila celebrates the 12th Annual White Party!

Their version continues with this:

In the Philippines, White Party started in Malate 12 years ago as a marketing tool for Malate Business Association. Over the years, LGBT organizations are directly involve in its creation. Like most White Parties held every year in Chicago, Miami and Palm Springs, White Party Manila also served its purpose as a catalyst for empowerment, pride, freedom and unity for the LGBT community. The concept of all-white clothing theme was chosen by co-founder of Miami White Party Frank Wager because, as he said, "White stands for purity. White is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful".

The sentences are just awkward.  Would it really hurt to have made sure there was proper syntax and construction here?  And some tenses need to be adjusted, or you risk making it sound like the fight for acceptance and equality is already OVER.  Lastly, it still feels like a name-dropping moment.    Now, there are already many who refute the claims in the very first sentence.  I'll let my friends post what they have to say about it (Admittedly, I was not around to be a witness to the true roots of the White Party celebrations in the Philippines) so I will focus on rewriting this as if the content was accurate.

My version would have been:
12 years ago, the Philippines celebrated it first White Party and over the years numerous LGBT groups have united their efforts to continue its annual celebration.  The White Party continues to serve as a catalyst for empowerment, pride, freedom and unity for the LGBT community.  The concept of an all-white clothing theme traces its roots from the co-founder of the Miami White Party, Frank Wager.  For Wager, "White stands for purity.  White is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful."

I feel horrified how the current version just sends all the wrong signals for this event which is meant to be unifying and celebratory.  The current version continues as follows:

This years' White Party Manila will be a celebration of feats won by the large majority of LGBT. The passing of RH Law from whence the community is strongly supporting is one of them. 

Okay.  Feats.  A celebration of feats.  What have we truly accomplished that falls under a celebration of feats?  We don't have Marriage.  We don't have anti-discrimination laws.  We don't have any legal standing as far as gender rights are concerned.   The RH Law is a law for everyone, not just the LGBT.  Or do we want to give the impression that those against the Law were right about it just being something we wanted for our own goals, such as access to those hormone pills and contraceptives?  I really don't know where these two sentences are coming from, but fine, I'll assume they're meant to be there.  Could we remind ourselves of when it should be apostrophe before or after S?  And I honestly think the use of the word "whence" would be ashamed of itself to be in that sentence.  

My version:
This year's White Party Manila will be a celebration of the steps forward we have made in being recognized and respected as a Filipino community.   The passage of laws such as the RH Bill are small but growing victories in our hopes of being part of a more progressive and socially-welcoming society.

The email continues with this part which really just... befuddles me.   This part seems to be trying to say the event is now open to everyone, but tries to explain that in a very odd way.   Oh and suddenly, the mention of that Malate Business Association group is gone, and a single bar's name takes focus here.  Why?  I don't quite know, but maybe the writer assumed we would.  Is there a reason Chelu Productions gets mention and others don't?  I thought the MBA was composed of numerous businesses?

While it is true that majority of Filipinos are now embracing and gradually becoming passive about homosexuality, it is also true that majority are still unable to accept the very core of LGBT's existence. The driving force for this year will be Acceptance. This year, White Party is trying to reach out not only to the community they are catering but also the majority of the populace, homosexuals and heterosexuals alike. Chelu Productions, the group working for the event, believe that engagement outside the community is a potent force in educating the populace about gender and equality.

Admittedly, there seems to be a good direction in terms of intention here.  There is the desire to "educate" which I do agree is important.  But man, this is the White Party.  Isn't the White Party meant to be a chance to CELEBRATE?  A chance to stand out and be proud of who you are, and celebrate with your friends and peers?  Will there be seminars and talks during this party?  How exactly will this "celebration" happen?

My version:
While we now enjoy a degree of tolerance from our peers, the fight for true equality is not over.   This year's White Party seeks to embody the theme of Acceptance and invites everyone, regardless of gender, to take part in the festivities!   

So after all the talk about educating and acceptance, the letter continues with another shift in direction.  Mind you, this is within the same paragraph.  Looking at the White Party Miami website, the event is largely a celebration thing (I don't see any seminars and the like in the events page) and a fund raising activity for Care Resource.  And these are accomplished through sponsorship options.  Here, the local event claims to have loftier goals:

Like most White Party celebrated in the world, the main purpose of the event is to educate all members and its allies about current issues that involves homosexuality. HIV awareness among others will be one of this years' highlights.

Okay, so wait, I thought the focus of this year was Acceptance?  Of reaching out to those who are not LGBT?  So what really is the darned highlight of this event?  I don't even know how to write my version of this any more, since we're really treading on "This section completely needs to be reconsidered.  What direction are we really headed?  What do we really want to say?"  The main purpose is to educate?  Via a street party?  Are you serious?

The email continues:

Attendees for this years' White Party will expect the best music, the best performers and the best authority in the LGBT community. Support groups and other LGBT advocates will also be putting up booths at the event venue significant to the community.

Again, that "years'" issue is getting on my nerves.  And I don't quite get the "best authority in the LGBT community" part.  Best authority in what way?  Celebrities are not best authorities.  Or is that what we want to count as an authority in our community now?   "Putting up booths at the event venue significant to the community" means what?  Are we talking testing centers?  Are we talking places with pamphlets on safer sex?  Are we talking about fun festive booths and small shops with memorabilia and trinkets?  Would it have been really so hard to spell that out better?

Finally, it goes:

The event will be held at the birthplace of the country's first White Party in Orosa-Nakpil, Malate, Manila on June 29, 2013. Gates will be opened by 8PM. General admission is Php 150 (entrance only) and VIP tickets are at Php 1000 with unlimited drinks.

Okay.  First, let's admit it:  O bar and Bed have closed shop.  So the two BIG reasons to celebrate in Malate are no longer there.  I understand the desire to try to still market this event, but maybe it would have helped to at least mention which bars are part of it at this point.  And maybe even clarify how this event will look.  Shall it be tables along Orosa-Nakpil?  Shall it be an open street?

And once again, I am disgusted that the event has an entrance fee.  So much for making this an celebration where we can invite others to join us.   As mentioned many times before, there have been  White Parties in the past that were fully sponsored and did not charge entrance.  And now, with the public fully aware of the big two no longer being there, we're being invited to this event with no idea what will really be in it, but clearly told we have to pay to get in.  Oh and yes, NO MENTION OF THIS BEING A FUND-RAISER AT ALL.  So where does the money go?  

I dunno about you guys, but I personally find this to be very wrong.  It's practically Nancy Binay wrong.  It's like, "Don't think about it too much, just focus on the name:  White Party.  You will spend for the White Party, right?  Look, it happens world-wide.  White Party.  Spend your Pink Peso here.  White Party!"

I'm sorry, but I didn't vote Nancy Binay because I wasn't someone who just focused on "the name."  I believe in the deeper reasons behind things.  And for the White Party, it will always be a celebration of unity and Pride for me.   I can understand bars charging those who step into their grounds during the party, but I cannot fathom why those who celebrate outside need to pay just to "get in" when the "in" you are talking about is the damned street.

The email ends signed by the :

Head - Communications and Public Relation

I give up.  The email was from the Head of Public Relation.  Not the PR head, mind you, cause that's Public Relations.  A typo?  I guess. But man, if the event organizers can't be bothered to hire a proper copywriter... or even just someone to double check the copy to make sure it is clear, well-written, and actually properly written, and yet will have the gall to spend for photo shoots, etc... clearly the goal is less about education and reaching out and more about flash and pomp.  More about the money.

So many errors.  And at the very end, even the very POSITION of the sender of the email is written wrong.  I can already foresee it - there will be some who will accuse me of being nit-picky.  Or claim I'm acting all elitist about having a better command in English.  I can imagine those who will accuse me of making a mountain over a molehill.  Or dig through all my stuff for my own syntax errors.  Probably even find myself the target of scorn and insults by some who will think, "How dare this no body blog about this as if he knows everything."  Well, I don't.  I'm not omniscient nor a member of Mensa or anything grand.  But I do know that if you ever release any statement or announcement to the public, as a given you are expected to hit a certain standard of quality.  It doesn't even have to be released in English.  It just has to be well-written enough to make proper sense.   And when this is a written statement - meaning something that can go through a proper editing process - given the free access to dictionaries and other resources now online, there is NO reason to have a badly written article/release unless whoever was supposed to work on it plain and simple chose to be irresponsible.

The only thing this really made clear is this:

12th White Party.  You need to pay to be part of it.

Oh, and we're trying to make it sound more than
just a street party without really explaining how.

So yeah, count me out of this event.  Clearly it is less a community celebration and more a party you want to make money from.  Just like that other party not too long ago.

And no, you do not have the right to use "my version" of the copy for free.

I felt I had to speak up about this.  I miss the Old Malate.
But I am really disgusted with how these events are now being approached.

What's next?  A fee to join the Pride March?

Here's the whole letter.
Altered only to hide the identity of the sender, out of respect of that person's privacy.

---

Manila celebrates 12th White Party

White Party is the name of a number of circuit parties held every year all over the world catering to LGBT communities.

In the Philippines, White Party started in Malate 12 years ago as a marketing tool for Malate Business Association. Over the years, LGBT organizations are directly involve in its creation. Like most White Parties held every year in Chicago, Miami and Palm Springs, White Party Manila also served its purpose as a catalyst for empowerment, pride, freedom and unity for the LGBT community. The concept of  all-white clothing theme was chosen by co-founder of Miami White Party Frank Wager because, as he said, "White stands for purity. White is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful".

This years' White Party Manila will be a celebration of feats won by the large majority of LGBT. The passing of RH Law from whence the community is strongly supporting is one of them. While it is true that majority of Filipinos are now embracing and gradually becoming passive about homosexuality, it is also true that majority are still unable to accept the very core of LGBT's existence. The driving force for this year will be Acceptance. This year,  White Party is trying to reach out not only to the community they are catering but also the majority of the populace, homosexuals and heterosexuals alike. Chelu Productions, the group working for the event, believe that engagement outside the community is a potent force in educating the populace about gender and equality.

Like most White Party celebrated in the world, the main purpose of the event is to educate all members and its allies about current issues that involves homosexuality. HIV awareness among others will be one of this years' highlights.

Attendees for this years' White Party will expect the best music, the best performers and the best authority in the LGBT community. Support groups and other LGBT advocates will also be putting up booths at the event venue significant to the community.

The event will be held at the birthplace of the country's  first White Party in Orosa-Nakpil, Malate, Manila on June 29, 2013. Gates will be opened by 8PM. General admission is Php 150 (entrance only) and VIP tickets are at Php 1000 with unlimited drinks.

For event details, visit our Facebook Page at facebook.com/whitepartymanila2013, Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/whiteparty2013 or add our Official BBM pin:26FF7994.

Regards,

[name redacted]

Head - Communications and Public Relation

12th White Party Manila

The (Unofficial) White Party of 2011!

Saturday marked the date for what was supposed to be the White Party celebration here in Manila, but the night before had a storm named Falcon (warning, NSFW link here) showing up and drowning many parts of the city under almost half a meter of water.  In what seems to slowly becoming a growing tradition for me and Rocky, we decided to come up with cool shirts we can wear for the event.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I wanted to find a design which celebrated both our geekiness and our gayness at the same time!

But sadly, thanks to the porn-studio-named typhoon, the official White Party was declared cancelled and was to be rescheduled on a different day.  Rocky and I, however, found ourselves still wanting to celebrate that night due to many reasons:  New York just legalized Gay Marriage, The Stonewall Riots were still an event to be remembered and celebrated, and our friend was still going to our favorite haunt, O bar, to introduce us to her partner.

So yeah, we pushed through with our "unofficial" White Party and wore our lovely shirts.  Here they are!

Blurry pic care of the elevator mirror.

For those who were curious, or aren't geek enough to grasp it, yes, the shirt designs were inspired by the PlayStation Portable game called Patapon.

Rocky's shirt.

And mine.

The best part?  The quote in the back of the shirt is an actual quote from the game!   To make the design, I actually had to dig around the net for two things:  high resolution images of the Patapons, and a font typeface of the font they actually use in the game.   The Patapons I was able to find, but not in the size I actually needed.  So to make it work for the design, I had to redraw the figures in Photoshop.   The font was more interesting.  There were files of the letters, but no actual font that I could find.  Many sites suggested directions on how to convert the file to a font, but I couldn't make any sense of it.  So what did I do?

I actually had to find ways to push the size of the text images to a high resolution and keep sharpening it for the design.  Thankfully, I got it to work!

Spank Them Bottoms!

Horror of horrors though, I worked on the Patapons too much to realize the big mistake that was present in the shirt designs.  The mistake?  Well, I used the WRONG RAINBOW.  The rainbow I had used was actually the traditional rainbow with all seven colors.  Ironic that I'd overlook that detail considering I had to actually redo the rainbow as well as the bisexual triangle icon for the high resolution needs of the design.

Proud to be Geeky and Gay!

Still, I feel pretty proud of our White Party shirts.  They weren't as big a hit with the people present as our Katamari Damacy inspired shirts before, but what mattered most was we loved wearing them.   In a celebration of being proud of who you are, wearing a shirt that you didn't just buy off the rack feels fantastic.

Hmm must start working out again.  I don't fill shirts like I used to.

It does make me wonder... come next Pride, what do we wear next!

Suggestions are always welcome :-P

Happy White Party!
Happy Gay Pride!

2011 White Party Shirt Rejects

So, Rocky and I are now ready with our White Party T-shirts!  I was worried about this some days ago, uncertain as to what design we would find to celebrate both our geekiness and our gayness in one go.  Last year, Katamari Damacy was our theme and while the quality of the shirts were less than what we had hoped for, they were still a joy to have.

This year, I decided to try to come up with a few new designs for our shirts.  The first design I toyed around with was based on this quirky game on both the PSP and the PS3 which Rocky and I simply adore.  The game is Loco Roco, and for those unfamiliar, it is a game where you try to nudge, influence and guide a bunch of colored cutesy blobs from one place to another, to wake up others of their kind, to hit switches, and to defeat dark mojas that are out to eat them.    The game as a host of odd yet awesome characters of varying colors, which seemed apt to have for our shirt designs.  Wanting to have a slightly naughty touch to reflect the gay side, I came up with these shirts:

As you can probably see, the shirts are quite cute actually, with just enough subliminal touches to be naughty.  Even better, there were blue and green Loco Rocos to use to represent... uh... Rocky and Me. 

Another shirt design I toyed around with was one which incorporated George Takei.   After Tennessee's "Don't Say Gay" bill came to light, George was witty enough to offer his own name as a good replacement for the word Gay in places where it may be frowned upon.  Check out his hilariously cool video below:

At first Rocky and I were thinking of ordering from his official merchandise.  A tad pricey, but well worth the geek cred and fun.   Unfortunately, stocks were out and we were forced to reconsider making our own.  A group of friends of ours who DO fun geek shirts weren't too keen to "taking from Takei's sales" by making their own spin, so Rocky and I decided to try coming up with our own spin on things.  This is what we came up with:

Ultimately, while cool, we decided it was kind of too simple.

So yeah, I went back to the drawing board and tried to think of what else nicely captures our geek-gay life and even better, would be fun enough to wear.  Then it hit me.  The visuals were striking enough to be uniquely geek, yet not too strange.  And their catch-phrase was PERFECT for the White Party.

What will our final White Party shirts be?
Find out soon!

Still no shirts for the 25th

I'm sure Rocky would love to be your shirt.

The White Party is fast approaching and Rocky and I have been fast trying to think of what kind of shirt to wear this year.  Previously we wore some Katamari Damacy inspired Gay Pride shirts we cooked up, with the Royal Rainbow proudly being our slogan.  This year, we were originally hoping to go for It's Okay To Be, Takei shirts but as it turns out the beloved shirts are sold out.

So now we have to come up with something uniquely geeky and yet rainbow-y gay enough to represent our two worlds.  

I've been trying to find inspiration in many other sites, weighing the idea of just having interesting witty words that state something against having something iconic and colorful to be our design.  So far I haven't really finalized a decision that I particularly like.

So far a lot of the inspirations I am getting are from video games we both love.
I also thought of coming up with our own spin of the It's Okay to be Takei shirts.

I'll let Rocky have a first glance at them before I post any of them here.

Oh I'd so want to be YOUR shirt.

I thought you guys were braver than this

The Philippines recently had its annual Gay Pride March and much to my dismay, I was not able to take part in it this year.  My partner and I had been looking forward to taking part in it for months after experiencing the excitement and pride of being part of something meaningful last year.  Unfortunately, my parents decided that the same weekend was to be a good weekend to fly to Singapore to celebrate my sister's birthday.  So like a good recently outed gay son, I decided to do my share in being part of the family and joined them for the trip.

Last year with my other friends.

Being able to take part in an event that allows you to celebrate being yourself is something I honestly wish more people get a chance to experience.  While coming out is a personal journey in every gay person's life, stepping outside to join the Pride March is a call for courage and the willingness to make a statement.  A statement that says, "We are who we are and we are not ashamed."  And as ironic as it sounds, taking part of the march while wearing a mask since one might still be in the closet is quite welcome.   Just as much as any straight friend joining the march to support their gay friends.   The march, after all, isn't about just being gay.  It is about celebrating the fact as diverse as we all are, we are happy to be who we are.

I remember how excited I was last year to join the Pride March.  I wasn't out to my family.  While most of my co-workers and friends knew I wasn't walking the "straight" path, few neighbors or family friends were aware of my preferences.   But I admired the courage of those who had been part of the march year after year and realized in many ways it was more than just a chance to show off one's gayest costume (like some do).  In fact, those who showed off their gayest costumes were simply doing something I was, back then, afraid to do:  Just be myself and have fun.

My partner and me in our matching black Trek shirts

My partner and I decided to join the march wearing our black Star Trek shirts to celebrate our unity as a couple and as geeks.    And even if I was still in the closet family-wise, I threw away all fears of being discovered and walked with my face clearly visible for all to see.

And experienced very quickly all the hate and bigotry that certain members of society had for me.

They were at the corners, with their banners and placards condemning us for being who we were.  Calling us vile things.  Speaking into their loudspeakers cruel and wicked words.    They used the Lord's name in vain.  They used the Bible as a personal weapon.   And they said WE were the one's who had lost our way.

So much hate from people claiming to love God.

It was the first time they have ever seen me, and they hated me down to the very core of my being.

Some of our friends retaliated.

They made their own posters.  They chanted their own slogans.  They yelled back.  Or sang.  Or threw jokes back.  Insults too.   But all they did was encourage the hate even more.  Fan the flames stronger.  Fed the evil that called itself good.

I felt it was a sad reminder of how people still believed we were best invisible.
Or non-existent.

And even worse was when I heard from people I consider my friends the similar themes of hate.

One facebook friend wrote about the Pride March not representing him since it merely showcased freaks.  Another proudly shared how he was invited to the March but felt it was all just politics.   Was that really how bad it get's here in the Philippines?  That the discrimination ran so deep, rather than take part to BE represented, we would rather insult and demean those who clearly showed a courage superior to our own?   That we would dismiss the march as merely something political, when in fact, it WAS political for the right reasons.  It was political because we deserve to be acknowledged.  We deserve to be recognized.  We deserve to be accepted.  We aren't even seen as mere equals.  It wasn't a call for special treatment.  It was a call to be identified as real.  Damn right it was political!

Yes, it felt so much like this.

How sad, therefore, that its urgency is so easily dismissed and thrown aside.

There I was, stick in Singapore, wishing I could be part of it, and here were friends of mine so content with their own personal concerns that the idea of being part of something bigger felt... unimportant.

It was insulting.  It was depressing.
It nearly drove me to disassociate myself with them.
Who needs friends who don't see the point in seeing you to the very least as equals.
More so when they themselves were gay.

Of course, when it comes to the "other" annual big gay event, the so-called White Party attendance shoots up and celebrations are explosively present.  When it comes to bathhouses and models strutting around in badly designed underwear, you have throes of gay men screaming their tonsils out.   Clearly sex sells.

2010 March Route.  How I wish I was here!

And yet, we are all aware of how much we DO need a political voice.  We read of updates where gay people are arrested in raids as prostitutes merely for having a condom in their possession.  Or of how one's sexuality is too quickly used to judge one's capacity to work, or be a functional member of a family.    The Catholic Bishops' Conference in the Philippines (or as it is more known as, the CBCP) proclaims condoms as a cause of cancer, and refers to 'active homosexuals" as having "victims" as if we were all sexual predators.  Not to mention the undocumented numerous cases of bullying.  Of beatings.  Of all these many forms of discrimination.

Things need to change.
And we need to do our part.

The March to the very least shows we are not afraid.

So I challenge you gay guys out there in Manila.    Stop being content with hiding.    Stop thinking you aren't part of something bigger.   Take that step.  Join the March.

Make a difference.
Be represented by being there to represent yourself.

We can fill the world with rainbows.
We can help make it a better place.

---
thanks to my partner Rocky for most of the pictures of last year's Pride March.
I promise, 2011, I will do all I can to be with you when we attend it.

Our White Party Shirt Designs!

Celebrating my very first official White Party (although I did attend the previous White Party last year, I wasn't officially out yet back then) with Rocky, my partner of over one year, we decided to have shirts that proudly reflected our gender as well as our geekiness in a single go.

With Pink Triangles to reflect our gay status, we added a rainbow loop to be sure to encompass the official gay colors in our design.  In the back, however, we definitely wanted something that proclaimed how much of a geek we were and at the same time, when seen together worked perfectly as a show we were a couple.

We chose Katamari Damacy!
With the King of all Cosmos on my back, and the numerous cousins on my partner's back, we then added the words Royal and Rainbow underneath each one.  When together, we easily formed the term Royal Rainbow, which anyone who played Katamari Damacy would easily know is the gayest mode of transport available to man!    The shirts were beautiful and exciting concept wise, but sadly were not executed as well as we had hoped.

Ultimately, we were happy to have our first official Gay Pride White Party couple shirts and we're definitely looking to making this a yearly practice!

Happy Gay Pride to you all!

The White Party 2010

The White Party is coming up.
My partner and I have been excitedly sharing ideas on what kind of white shirt to wear to the event.  While he has always been a faithful participant of the White Parties in the past, for me, this is going to be the second White Party I have ever attended.

As embarrassing as it may be to admit, I wasn't even that aware of the significance of the Stonewall Raids until recently.  For quite some time, my being bisexual was merely some hidden stigma that I had to hide from my parents and that I carefully shared with my friends.  Growing up had me uncertain if I could enjoy shows like Will and Grace without triggering their alarms.  And while I never found myself draw to shows like Queer as Folk, I did have those times when I wanted to state how hot Jake Gyllenhaal was in Donnie Darko or how sexy I found both Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

But thankfully, this last year has been one of finding myself and being more able to honestly speak of my desires, interests and expectations.  Ever since I came out to my parents (and yes, I am still working on THAT blog entry) I have felt this huge need to "hide things" lifted from my chest.  While I haven't exactly been given a go signal to clearly talk about how much I love my partner, or how cute Bear Grylls looks with my parents, I now don't have to lie to them and simply call my partner "my best friend."  I can now tell them that the upcoming Saturday night is already mapped out in my schedule as the Gay Pride White Party.  I can honestly tell them that I don't necessarily agree with how some people interpret things in the Bible to "prove" being gay is wrong.

So yeah, with the White Party coming up, my partner and I have been coming up with concepts on what kinds of shirts we can use.  While most gay people would jump at such an opportunity to show some skin, dress in drag, or peruse the attendance of the event as merely another sexual meat locker to choose from, me and my partner see it as a chance to once more reaffirm our honesty to one another and to ourselves both as geeks and as a gay couple.

Being the White Party, a white shirt was pretty much assured.  To show our gay pride, the presence of the rainbow and a pink triangle was definitely to be present.  To proudly show our geek side too, however, required some thought.

Initially, I thought of making the shirts reflect the recent DC Blackest Night story arc.  With the Pink Corps reflecting our Love for each other (and gay pride to boot!) our backs would display our "class colors" as an inside joke.

While cute, my partner wasn't sure if it seemed apt for the Gay Pride event.

Tossing another idea at him, my inner geek elitist came out and I came up with this design instead.  Only people who knew Dr. Who would be able to recognize the objects, and more so the double meaning lines that were to be in the back of the shirts.   My partner found them cute but wasn't sure if he wanted to be labelled "Bigger in the inside."

So we threw back and forth more ideas and eventually found ourselves going back to one of the major geeky things that we both absolutely adored.



So what will the shirt designs look like?
You'll just have to wait and see!

:-)

See you at the White Party!